New Scotland fire ruled arson

Police say man set fire to own house after domestic dispute

Firefighters battle a blaze at a house on Youmans Road in New Scotland Tuesday, Aug. 30. The fire was ruled an arson and the result of a domestic dispute. Police arrested the homeowner.
Photo by Tom Heffernan Sr..

NEW SCOTLAND  A New Scotland man is in the county jail for allegedly torching his own house following a domestic dispute.

The Albany County Sheriff's Office said Robert G. Ferullo, 35, called 911 at about 6:45 p.m. last night and reported a fire at his home at 99 Youmans Road.

After an investigation, police said it was discovered that Ferullo had set the fire with a candle and a bedsheet.

“There was a domestic incident at the residence in the early evening hours, and shortly thereafter the female party left the residence... He later admitted to setting the fire, he was upset at breaking up with the female party,” acting Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple said.

The woman took three children with her when she left, Apple said. The Red Cross is providing them with shelter and assistance, as the house is no longer habitable.

Apple said Ferullo initially told firefighters the fire was electrical, but they called for the sheriff's casue and origin team when that story clearly didn't add up.

Ferullo was charged with arson in the third degree and criminal mischief in the second degree. Both are felonies. He was remanded to Albany County jail in lieu of $50,000 bail.